Jackals Announce Training Camp Schedule And Roster Additions

Training camp for the Elmira Jackals is scheduled to begin this week, with players from all over the world reporting to First Arena in preparation for the upcoming season.

While this marks the start of the ECHL season, many of the players contracted by the Jackals have been participating in five American Hockey League (AHL) camps leading up to the start of Jackals training camp.

Training camp begins with physicals at First Arena at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 1. On Friday morning, the Jackals will have their first official practice of 2009-2010 from 10 AM to noon. They will also take to the ice at the same time on Saturday morning.

Fans are invited to a special intra-squad scrimmage on Sunday, October 4 from 10 AM to noon in the First Arena Recreational Rink. Following this "Blue vs. White" game, the Jackals will hold their first round of player releases. At this time, the team will announce its schedule for the second week of training camp leading up to its first preseason game on Friday, October 9 at First Arena against the Trenton Devils.

JACKALS STRENGTHEN ROSTER IN PREPARATION FOR BANNER SEASON

The Jackals also announced today that they have agreed to terms with eleven players as they get ready for their "Ten Years in the Twin Tiers" season.

Forwards:

Chaz Johnson, who played 15 games with the Jackals in 2008-2009 and 60 in 2007-2008, notching 60 points during those 75 games and leading the Jackals with 250 penalty minutes in 2007-2008. In his two seasons with the Jackals, Johnson has been a fan favorite, known for his physical style of play. The Montreal, Quebec native scored 11 points (3g-8a) in the Jackals playoff run last season, good for second on the team. Johnson was a crucial part of Jackals head coach Steve Martinson's 2006-2007 championship Rockford IceHogs of the United Hockey League (UHL). "Everybody knows what Chaz brings to the ice: big goals and big hits. There are not many players who can combine his physical play and scoring ability," Martinson said.

Olivier Proulx, who skated in the ECHL with the Dayton Bombers in 2003-2004, leading them in scoring with 53 points (20g-33a) and the Texas Wildcatters in 2006-2007. Proulx played for Martinson in Rockford and was fifth on the team with 64 points (20g-44a) in 2005-2006. "Olivier is a hard-nosed player and a guy that players do not want to have to play against," Martinson said.

Brendan Connolly, who averaged over a point per game with the Jackals after playing four seasons at Ferris State (NCAA).

Max Gratchev, who was drafted by the New York Islanders in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Marc Rechlicz, who played 15 games for the Odessa Jackalopes of the Central Hockey League (CHL) in 2008-2009 and had 60 penalty minutes.

Defensemen:

Brennan Turner, who skated 69 games in the ECHL last season (40 with the Gwinnett Gladiators, 29 with the Fresno Falcons), totaling 157 penalty minutes between the two teams. "Brennan is a tough physical defenseman who can play against the other teams' top players," Martinson said.

Trevor Hendrikx, who played in all 72 games in 2007-2008 with the Jackals and was second to Johnson in penalty minutes on the team with 170 penalty minutes that season.

Guillaume Lepine, who was second on the team in penalty minutes last season with 140 and led all ECHL defensemen with 18 major penalties.

Jeremy Leroux, who played four seasons with American International (NCAA) and spent last season with the Corpus Christi Icerays (CHL).

Ben Wright, who had 97 assists over the last three seasons with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Goaltender:

David Brown, who was a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2006-2007 with Notre Dame (NCAA), a season in which he posted a 30-6-3 record, a 1.58 goals against average, and a .931 save percentage. Last season he recorded a .907 save percentage in 24 games with the Wheeling Nailers.

The Elmira Jackals 2009-2010 season is less than 10 days away! Season and individual game tickets are on sale now. Visit the First Arena Box Office, call (607) 734-PUCK (7825), or log onto Ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.